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Stephen Decker, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Academic Training
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
2023
- Mentor: Katsu Funai PubMed
Ph.D. in Kinesiology
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
2023 - 2018
- Mentor: Gwenael Layec, Ph.D. PubMed
- Dissertation: On the Mechanisms of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Striated Muscle and Aorta
- Worked with both humans (IRB) and animal models (IACUC). Mastered High-Resolution Respirometry, and Doppler Ultrasound by conducting dozens of independent experiments. Proficient in 31P-MRS, Western Blot, spectrophotometry, and assing H2O2 and mitochondrial membrane potential in permeabilized skeletal muscle.
PhD. in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
2018 - 2017
- Mentor: Gwenael Layec, Ph.D.
- Transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas
2017 - 2016
- Supervisor: Dennis T Villareal, MD PubMed
- Responsible for all clinical research exercise testing, prescription, and supervision over exercise sessions with high-risk clinical populations. All work was part of several clinical trials where I also analyzed and prepared the data for reporting.
- Mastered VO2max tests with EKG, phlebotomy, muscle performance tests, and DXA scans by performing hundreds of successful tests on high-risk clinical populations, including elderly individuals with diagnosed heart diseases, PAD, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hypogonadism.
M.S. in Kinesiology
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
2016 - 2014
- Mentor: Dr. James Rowe
- Thesis: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Postprandial Lipemia and Glycemia
B.S. in Kinesiology
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
2014 - 2010
- Graduated with honors, Cum Laude
Research Philosophy
I am extremely passionate about research and the pursuit of knowledge. I strongly believe that, as a researcher, it is my duty to ask rigorous scientific questions that test the bound of current understanding, and share this new knowledge in ways that enable others to have few barriers to new findings. In order to accomplish these goals, it is crucial to establish an environment that is welcoming to and accepting of individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and to allow open discussion and communication among my scientific peers and the general public. I aim to bring an open mind and high expectations to my research, while maintaining an inclusive environment that also encourages free scientific thought and discovery.
Manuscripts Under Review
Mitochondrial Membrane Lipids in the Regulation of Bioenergetics
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ST Decker, Vance J, Funai K
Under review in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
Manuscripts in Preparation
Effects of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Simultaneous Measurements of Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption and ROS Production In Situ
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ST Decker, ST Bannon, T Huang, ME Erol, G Layec
Effects of Sedentary Time on In Situ Mitochondrial Substrate Oxidation Across the Human Lifespan
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ST Decker, AA Matias, ST Bannon, JP Madden, ME Erol, S Chipkin, JA Kent, MA Miller, G Layec
Effects of Sedentary Time on In Situ Mitochondrial Substrate Oxidation Across the Human Lifespan
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ST Decker, AA Matias, ST Bannon, JP Madden, ME Erol, S Chipkin, JA Kent, MA Miller, G Layec
31P-MRS of Alkaline Inorganic Phosphate in Young, Sedentary Adults: A Reproducibility Study
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AA Matias, ST Decker, C Serviente, ME Erol, G Giuriato, R Nagarajan, Y Le Fur, G Layec
Oral Presentations
Connecting the Dots of the Power Grid: Assessing mitochondrial membrane potential and ADP/ATP translocase activity in permeabilized skeletal muscle fiber bundles
UMass Kinesiology Seminar Series
Amherst, Massachusetts
2021
The Physiological Role of Sirtuins: A Target for Aging or More Hype?
UMass Kinesiology Seminar Series
Amherst, Massachusetts
2019
Diversity Statement
I grew up in a very diverse community, where over 300 languages and dialects were spoken and many of my childhood friends hailed from all over the world. Exposure to different peoples, traditions, and ways of thinking have been an integral part of my personal life, therefore, I value and welcome a culture that accepts people for the unique perspectives and experiences that someone may bring to my professional life. I strive to create an environment that allows all people to have an equal and safe voice in the classroom and lab and, when appropriate, allow for meaningful interactions that allow students and trainees to better understand and value others’ perspectives.
Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Limb Blood Flow and Muscle Metabolism in Patients with COPD
ISMRM Annual Meeting
Montreal, Quebec
2019
Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Postprandial Lipemia and Glycemia
Texas ACSM
College Station, Texas
2016
Effects of Hot and Temperate Environments on Executive Function Tasks During Moderate and Intense Exercise
SFASU Undergraduate Research Conference
Nacogdoches, Texas
2014
Selected Posters & Abstracts
Oxidative Stress Induced By Long-Term Cigarette Smoke Exposure Does Not Alter Mitochondrial Respiration in Skeletal Muscle of C57BL/6 Mice
New Insights into the Biology of Exercise
Keystone, Colorado
2020
Knockout of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Increases Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria Content and Alters Mitochondrial Function
Muscle Biology Conference
Gainesville, Florida
2019
Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Limb Blood Flow and Muscle Metabolism in Patients with COPD
ACSM Annual Meeting
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2018
Effects of Acute Exercise on Postprandial Lipemia and Postprandial Glycemia
Texas ACSM Regional Conference
Waco, Texas
2017
Funding
Research Development Award
National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho
N/A
2023
Awarded $15,000 direct funds
T32 Metabolism Postdoctoral Fellowship
University of Utah Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center
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2023
Awarded
Research Travel Award Recipient
UMass Amherst Department of Kinesiology
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2020
Awarded $500
Predoctoral Fellowship
American Heart Association
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2019
Not Funded
Trainee Stipend Award
International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
N/A
2019
Awarded $200 and Conference Registration
Student Research Development Award
Texas American College of Sports Medicine
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2016
Awarded $500
Honors and Awards
Student Research Poster Finalist - Masters Category
Texas American College of Sports Medicine
Waco, Texas
2017
Undergraduate Research Conference Top Scholar
Stephen F. Austin State University School of Honors
Nacogdoches, Texas
2014
* Denotes Instructor of Record
Teaching Philosophy
I am very enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and teaching. I believe it is important to acknowledge the numerous ways in which students learn, and how past personal experiences shape each student’s worldview and the learning process. Therefore, learning must be a journey that is tailored to students’ needs. I aim to bring an open mind and high expectations to the classroom, where I aspire to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that also encourages students to achieve higher learning outcomes.
Teaching Experience
KIN 272 - Anatatomy and Physiology II*
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Kin 470 - Exercise Physiology Lab
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
KIN 270 - Anatatomy and Physiology I Lab
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Kin 570 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Kin 110 - Human Performance and Nutrition
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Kin 100 - Physical Fitness Concepts and Activities*
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
KIN 120 - Foundations of Kinesiology*
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
KIN 200 - Fitness Activites for Life*
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
American Red Cross CPR and Lifeguarding Instructor
Various
Texas
Professional Development & Training
Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist
American College of Sports Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana
Current
Certified Exercise Physiologist
American College of Sports Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana
Current
Oroboros O2k-Workshop on High-Resolution Respirometry (HRR)
Oroboros Instruments
Schröcken, Austria
2019
Trainees
Precious Oporum (Graduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K, mouse handling, statistical methodology, and general lab practices.
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Present - 2023
Alexs Matias (Graduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.
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2022 - 2019
Enes Erol (Graduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.
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2023 - 2020
Venisia Paula (Undergraduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K.
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Present - 2023
Sean Bannon (Undergraduate)
Honors Thesis: TBD
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2023 - 2021
Mia Calderone (Undergraduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.
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2022 - 2020
Jack Madden (Undergraduate)
Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K.
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2022 - 2020
Jyotika Vallurupalli (Undergraduate)
Honors Thesis: Investigating the Roles of COVID-19 on Vascular Funciton”, “Trained the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound and continuous non-invasive arterial pressure.
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2018 - 2021
Sebastien Rauch (Undergraduate)
Honors Thesis: Validity and Specificity of Tetramethylrhodamine, Methyl Ester (TMRM) Dye in Mice Gastrocnemius Muscle Fiber Bundles for Assessing Mitochondrial Membrane Potential.
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2020 - 2018